However, the extended snow cover this year will make it a challenge for farmers to begin spreading manure, according to the state Agency of Agriculture, which issued a news release on the situation Friday.

The annual ban is to avoid damaging water quality. With the ban about to be lifted, the agency says, “manure must still be applied in a way that does not result in runoff of manure to surface water or across property boundaries. Once the snow begins to melt, manure can be carried away to the low points in the landscape.”

By taking extra recommended steps while applying manure with snow still covering the ground, farmers can help minimize any runoff of manure that could occur during snow melt, the state says.